You’ve had a toothache for a while and finally went to the dentist. The news? Your dentist recommended a root canal to address the pain and salvage the tooth. But you’re skeptical – you’ve heard iffy things about the procedure and worry that you’ll end up regretting it. Fear not; a University of Gothenburg thesis in Sweden showed that 87 percent of people who had root canals say they’d choose the same treatment again! Read on to learn why root canals are a common, effective procedure that could save you from bigger troubles down the road.
What is a Root Canal?
While your teeth have a very hard enamel coating on the outside, on the inside, they’re filled with soft tissue called pulp containing nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected or damaged, a root canal is essentially designed to go in and remove it. Then, after disinfecting and cleaning the canals of the tooth’s root, the dentist seals the canals with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, and then temporarily fills the tooth until a permanent restoration like a crown can be placed to protect it and restore its function.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
On the contrary, a root canal should relieve you of the pain you may have been feeling that drove you into the dentist’s chair. Thanks to anesthesia, the process itself is virtually pain-free!
Before beginning, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to the affected area to numb it and will continue to apply the numbing agent to keep you comfortable until the procedure is complete. Patients usually report mild discomfort once the anesthetic wears off, but over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are generally strong enough to alleviate the pain.
Why is a Root Canal Necessary?
Root canals are designed to save a tooth that, for example, maybe has a deep cavity or is cracked or infected. This treatment can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted, which is generally a last resort for dentists. Removing a tooth is more invasive and significantly more costly, and prosthetic teeth aren’t as good as natural teeth.
What Happens If I Delay Getting a Root Canal?
Unfortunately, things will likely only worsen if you put off getting the treatment that you need. If the pulp in your tooth is infected, that infection can easily spread to your other teeth, causing bigger problems than you already have. This situation could result in a pus-filled abscess in your mouth, which requires even more urgent treatment!
Contrary to popular opinion, root canals are not incredibly painful, not to mention they are usually much better than the alternatives like extraction or more expensive implant work. Don’t put off seeing your dentist if you suspect you may need the treatment – it could be the difference in saving your tooth.
About the Author
Dr. A. Faris Waheed has been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years, with more than 10 years spent serving the Jacksonville community. He is a graduate of the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has completed several post-graduate courses focused on subjects such as root canal therapy, dental implants, and oral sedation. If you’re in need of root canal treatment, Dr. Waheed and our team at Baldwin Dental of Jacksonville can care for you in a comfortable office with patient-friendly amenities. Schedule your appointment by contacting our office today.